Jack lives in Birmingham and has a younger sister. On his fourteenth birthday, his wish for a fast, powerful computer that he could use for composing music and gaming was granted.

Everything went on hold

Before his illness, Jack loved to play the piano and saxophone, especially with his Grandad, who had a big influence on him. He was offered a scholarship because of his musical talent but a week before his thirteenth birthday, Jack was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma, a type of bone cancer affecting children. Almost every week since then has been spent in hospital, and everything else has been on hold.

Dad, Paul, says, “It’s forced Jack to grow up a lot. But this new perspective on life has been a great learning experience for him.”

A miracle

Doctors said Jack’s arm would have to be amputated, but thanks to pioneering surgery in Austria, only the damaged section of bone was removed, allowing him to keep his hand and remain independent. Jack has also had a section of lung removed and been through radiotherapy. It’s a long journey of rehabilitation as Jack works to restore movement and strength in his arm. Jack was still offered the scholarship he was hoping for, and Mum Cathy says he is a miracle for being so resilient and strong.

Newfound passion

Since his illness, Jack can no longer play musical instruments like before, but he’s got into music video production and composing music on the computer – combining his Grandad’s love of music and his Dad’s technical knowhow. He writes his own loops and riffs and knows everything about music, but his old computer was slowing him down.

Jack said, “In hospital, I was begging my mum for a new computer when the nurse walked in and suggested we talk to Make-A-Wish. I knew instantly what to wish for.”

Staying connected

Music and his computer are the only things that got Jack through his treatment. Even when he was in hospital, chatting and playing games online with his friends helped him to feel connected.

Jack wished for a CyberPower Gaming PC to help him develop his love of music production. On his birthday in January 2019, his wish was granted. Jack says, “As soon as we set it up and I got started using it, I could instantly see how much faster and more powerful it was for gaming and music. It was a really good feeling. The same month as my wish wish granted, I was finally able to go back to school too – it was nerve-wracking to start with but everyone was really kind and I’ve made plenty of friends now.”

Mum, Cathy, added, “He absolutely loves the computer and is on it all the time. He’ll get years of use from it. Jack’s wish has brought him so much happiness. It was a lovely treat for him after such a horrible year. It’s given him a fresh start.”

Sponsored donations made towards a child’s wish will go towards their One True Wish. If a child’s wish receives over funding the additional donations will be put towards a similar wish. If a child's wish doesn't reach 100% funding their wish will still take place and general funds will be used.

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